Canada has introduced new penalties of up to CAD 1.5 million for immigration representatives who provide unauthorized paid advice or knowingly submit false information. The measures took effect on October 28, 2026.
Canada has introduced tougher penalties for immigration and citizenship representatives who break the law, reinforcing its efforts to protect applicants from fraud and exploitation.
The new rules apply to authorized professionals, including immigration consultants and lawyers, as well as individuals who provide paid immigration advice or representation without the required authorization.
For Nigerians planning to immigrate to Canada, the announcement highlights the importance of choosing a qualified representative and ensuring that all information submitted in an immigration application is accurate.
What Are the New Penalties?
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the new administrative penalty system establishes financial consequences for different types of misconduct.
The initial penalties include:
- CAD 5,000: Providing paid immigration or citizenship advice or representation without authorization.
- CAD 15,000: Knowingly providing false or misleading information on an applicant’s behalf or helping an applicant do so.
Additional penalties may apply when an application is approved based on false or misleading information. Penalties can also increase for repeated violations, with the maximum amount reaching CAD 1.5 million in total.
The naira equivalent of the maximum penalty is approximately ₦1.45 billion, depending on the prevailing exchange rate.
These penalties are directed at representatives who violate the rules, not automatically at applicants who use their services.
Who Is Affected by the New Rules?
The regulations apply to people who receive payment for immigration or citizenship advice or representation, including:
- Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs).
- Lawyers and other authorized legal representatives.
- Individuals providing paid immigration advice without the required authorization.
- Representatives who knowingly submit or facilitate false or misleading information.
The rules also apply to representatives operating outside Canada. Therefore, an immigration agent based in Nigeria who provides paid Canadian immigration advice or representation may be subject to the regulations.
What Happens to Representatives Who Break the Rules?
IRCC can impose financial penalties and disclose information about people found responsible for violations.
The government plans to publish the names of penalized representatives and details of their misconduct on its website. The public registry is expected to launch in 2027, following the issuance of the first penalties.
Representatives who believe they have been incorrectly penalized can request a formal review.
How Can You Verify an Immigration Representative?
Before paying someone to assist with a Canadian immigration application, applicants should confirm that the representative is authorized to provide the service.
Depending on the representative’s profession, verification can be done through:
- Immigration consultants: Check membership and standing with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants.
- Lawyers: Check membership with the relevant Canadian provincial or territorial law society.
- Ontario paralegals: Verify authorization through the Law Society of Ontario.
Applicants should also be cautious of anyone who guarantees visa approval, promises unusually fast processing, or pressures them to pay immediately.
What This Means for Nigerians Planning to Immigrate to Canada
The new regulations are particularly relevant to applicants who rely on immigration agents or consultants in Nigeria.
Before engaging a representative, applicants should:
- Verify the person’s authorization through the appropriate regulatory body.
- Request a written agreement outlining the services and fees.
- Review application forms and supporting documents before submission.
- Never allow a representative to submit false information or fabricated documents on their behalf.
- Keep copies of applications, receipts and correspondence.
Even when an applicant uses a representative, it is important to understand what is being submitted in their name. False or misleading information can have serious immigration consequences, including application refusal and potential inadmissibility.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s new penalties are intended to strengthen accountability among immigration representatives and protect people seeking to build a future in the country.
For prospective immigrants, the message is straightforward: verify your representative’s credentials, be wary of promises that sound too good to be true, and ensure that every detail in your application is truthful.
Worldbridge Immigration encourages applicants to seek reliable information and make informed decisions throughout their immigration journey.
